Location: ZAF - Kempton Park, Serengeti Blvd (DSV Park Gauteng)
Job Posting Title: General Manager, Customs, Air & Sea
Time Type: Full Time
Main Purpose of the Role:
The General Manager, Customs is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, compliance governance, service delivery, risk management and people management of the Customs function. The role ensures that Customs activities across all modes, imports and exports are performed in line with applicable Customs legislation, DSV policies, client requirements and agreed operational KPIs, while supporting business growth, client retention and continuous improvement.
Duties & Responsibilities:
The General Manager, Customs position can be broken down into three areas of responsibility: Finance and Risk, People Management, and Customs & Operational Excellence.
Finance and Risk
Formulates, monitors and achieves Customs objectives in line with country, regional and Air & Sea leadership requirements.
Manages the Customs function within approved budgets and identifies cost efficiencies, productivity improvements and process enhancements.
Supports accurate forecasting, operational planning and resource planning for the Customs function.
Monitors Customs performance, productivity, service delivery and compliance-related metrics on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.
Identifies, manages and escalates operational, financial, legislative and client-related risks that may impact Customs delivery, profitability, client commitments or DSV compliance obligations.
Ensures internal and external controls, policies, procedures, KPIs and Standard Operating Procedures are applied consistently across the Customs function.
Partners with Finance, Operations, Product, Commercial and Branch leadership to manage risk, support client requirements and ensure sustainable service delivery.
Provides guidance on Customs-related matters that may impact pricing, tenders, client onboarding, operational implementation or service commitments.
People Management
Leads, supports, coaches and develops the Customs management and brokerage teams to deliver against company targets, legislative requirements and client expectations.
Manages the delivery of the organisation objectives through clear communication, measurement, motivation and accountability.
Manages people performance and growth to create a sustainable, compliant and high-performing Customs environment.
Provides leadership and guidance to Customs Managers, Supervisors, Senior Brokers, Brokers and Learners, where applicable.
Builds strong teams to ensure progress, continuity of business, service excellence and operational stability within the Customs function.
Identifies training needs and ensures relevant Customs, system, process and legislative training is provided to develop skills and reduce errors.
Engages with direct reports to ensure career pathing is clear and succession plans are in place for critical Customs roles.
Creates a culture of accountability, compliance, accuracy, client centricity, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Customs & Operational Excellence
Provides overall leadership and governance of the Customs function to ensure compliant processing and release of Customs Declarations across all modes, imports and exports.
Ensures that the Customs Act and extended schedules are understood, applied and embedded in the processing of Customs Declarations.
Oversees workflow management to ensure Customs work is processed according to operational KPIs, client requirements and Customs legislation.
Ensures correct tariff classification processes are followed for all Customs Declarations and that appropriate guidance is provided where tariffs are not supplied or require review.
Ensures that rules of origin are correctly applied to Customs Declarations and that relevant supporting documentation is maintained.
Ensures that proper Customs valuation methods are applied in accordance with Customs legislation and DSV governance requirements.
Oversees the submission and release process with SARS and other relevant government departments to ensure accuracy, compliance and timely clearance.
Ensures client profile maintenance is in place and aligned to client requirements, operational needs and compliance expectations.
Advises on process and system improvements to streamline Customs processes, reduce errors, improve turnaround times and strengthen compliance controls.
Ensures errors, potential risks, recurring issues and process gaps are reported, investigated and addressed through corrective and preventative action.
Works closely with branch, operations, product, commercial, client retention and shared functions to ensure Customs objectives are aligned and executable.
Supports client escalations, service reviews and operational implementation where Customs expertise is required.
Maintains a strong working knowledge of relevant government departments, Customs requirements, industry developments and regulatory changes impacting the business.
Other Duties
Schedules reviews with shared functions and operational stakeholders to ensure Customs objectives, processes and service requirements are aligned and executable.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Tertiary Qualification:
National Diploma / B. Degree/ B. Tech advantage
Matric (Grade 12)
Additional Computer Skills:
Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, basic Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, Office 365 applications and relevant Customs / freight forwarding system experience.
Job-Related Requirements:
- Matric essential.
- Relevant Customs, Logistics, Supply Chain or Freight Forwarding qualification will be advantageous.
- 10 years freight forwarding / Customs experience, with strong exposure to Customs Declarations across imports and exports.
- 5 years management experience, preferably within a Customs, brokerage or freight forwarding environment.
- Experience managing Customs compliance, workflow, KPIs, audits, client requirements and operational risk.
- Experience in training, mentoring and developing Customs teams.
- Presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations or Professional Designations
Customs-related certification or professional development will be advantageous where applicable.
Other Skills:
- Strong knowledge and understanding of Customs legislation, the Customs Act and extended schedules, tariff classification, rules of origin, Customs valuation and Customs Declaration processing across all modes.
- Sound working knowledge of SARS and relevant government department requirements and processes.
- Strong understanding of the Air & Sea / freight forwarding business and the role of Customs in supporting operational delivery, client service and compliance.
- Ability to lead diverse teams while showing respect for views and contributions, building team spirit and reconciling conflict.
- Ability to manage performance goals and hold self and others accountable to achievement of KPIs, accuracy, compliance and service delivery standards.
- Ability to make quick and clear decisions while adapting to changing legislative, operational and client requirements.
- Skilled in analytics, reporting, process mapping and distilling complex legislative or operational information into clear, actionable solutions.
- Strong risk management, problem-solving, attention to detail and accuracy orientation.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, administrative, coaching and conflict-resolution skills.
- Ability to work independently, use initiative and operate within the boundaries prescribed by DSV policies, procedures and applicable legislation.
DSV – Global transport and logistics
Working at DSV means playing in a different league.
As a global leader in transport and logistics, we have been on an extraordinary journey of growth. Let’s grow together as we continue to innovate, digitalise and build on our achievements.
With close to 150,000 colleagues in over 90 countries, we work every day to offer solid services and meet our customers’ needs and help them achieve their goals. We know that the best way to achieve this is by bringing in new talent, fresh perspectives and ambitious individuals like you.
At DSV, performance is in our DNA. We don’t just work – we aim to shape the future of logistics. This ambition fuels a dynamic environment built on collaboration with world-class team players, accountability and action. We value inclusivity, embrace different cultures and respect the dignity and rights of every individual. If you want to make an impact, be trusted by customers and grow your career in a forward-thinking company – this is the place to be.
Start here. Go anywhere
Visit dsv.com
Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should an external candidate not hear from us within four (4) weeks following their application, they should consider their application unsuccessful. Strictly fair and non-discriminatory selection procedures will be followed. We use Affirmative Action (AA) measures in an endeavor to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. Where possible, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act and in line with DSV’s Employment Equity plans. DSV reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.
